Indiana Dunes National Park stretches along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, offering sandy beaches, towering dunes, and diverse habitats. The park’s namesake dunes rise nearly 200 feet, shaped by wind over thousands of years. Visitors can hike trails through shifting sands, oak savannas, wetlands, and prairies, each rich in plant and wildlife diversity. Birdwatchers flock to the park during spring and fall migrations, while summer attracts swimmers and sunbathers to West Beach and Porter Beach. Popular trails include the Dune Succession Trail, which climbs stairs to a sweeping lake view, and the Cowles Bog Trail, a National Natural Landmark. Winter offers snowshoeing and peaceful beach walks under icy skies. Located just an hour from Chicago, Indiana Dunes National Park is a convenient yet wild escape for hiking, photography, paddling, and nature study.